On March 4, Ms. Mary Dickson and six Titan Drama Club officers took a trip to the Nebraska State Capitol for Theater Advocacy Day. This was the first time Papio South had the opportunity to go, and experienced the State Senate in session, talked to Senator John Arch, and performed in the Capitol Rotunda.
Dickson felt this year was an important opportunity for students to experience first hand advocating for things they feel are important to them. It not only gives the attendees first-hand exposure in Nebraska Legislature, but an opportunity to uphold their passions.
“It seemed like more than ever, the advocacy of art and everyone having access to them is important. It’s important for not only me, but for my students too. I wanted each of my officers to be able to formulate thoughts as to why this is important to them and show them they can make a difference through voicing what they advocate for. Even if they don’t go into theater as a career, they can still learn to advocate for things important to them” Dickson said.
Anika Roddy was one of the officers who got the opportunity to go to the capitol. One of the most meaningful parts of the trip to Roddy was talking to Senator Arch about the importance of theater advocacy.
“We get nervous to talk about things we are passionate about to people in power, and to feel like we can do that is really empowering, just to know our opinions aren’t belittled and gaining that confidence.”
Theater Advocacy day is all about bringing awareness to the importance of highschool theater programs. It advocates for the schools who are in less fortunate positions. It’s a day where a community comes together and gives support to others who care about the same thing.
“Maybe we did not make a huge impact talking to our senator since he is already doing so much, but the day itself with all the schools coming together and students talking to their senators who don’t get a lot of money for their theater program is impactful. The awareness that is brought with that day is powerful and just having that education” Roddy explained.
Throughout the whole experience was also a valuable reminder of just how lucky our district is to be so supported.
“We are lucky that we are so supported in our community, and what I wanted most from them was to be able to fight for those who aren’t. It’s easy to think that it is such a minute thing to be talking about at a legal level but there are so many things that high school theater can bring to someone’s life, weather it’s the relationships or the skills that benefit them in their future careers and even though it seems like a small thing to flight for, it’s important” Dickson said.
Theater Advocacy Day is not only a day to celebrate the great programs, but advocate and support those who are struggling. It showcases the valuable things theater offers to kids along with the life-long skills that can be learned through these programs.
